Painters and paperhangers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Cover surfaces with dropcloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.90
• Read work orders or receive instructions from supervisors or homeowners to determine work requirements.88
• Apply paint, stain, varnish, enamel, or other finishes to equipment, buildings, bridges, or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers.87
• Fill cracks, holes, or joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.86
• Smooth surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, or sanding machines.81
• Erect scaffolding or swing gates, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.78
• Wash and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sand rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.75
• Apply primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.72
• Calculate amounts of required materials and estimate costs, based on surface measurements or work orders.66
• Remove old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, burning, or using water or abrasive blasting.63
• Remove fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, or electric switch covers prior to painting.62
• Use special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.58

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Time Management50

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Coordination47

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Monitoring47

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Social Perceptiveness47

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Judgment and Decision Making44

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Reading Comprehension44

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Service Orientation35

  Actively looking for ways to help people.

• Speaking35

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Active Learning25

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Instructing25

  Teaching others how to do something.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Customer and Personal Service54

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Building and Construction51

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Administration and Management47

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Public Safety and Security45

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Chemistry42

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Education and Training41

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Production and Processing41

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Transportation41

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Mathematics38

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• English Language36

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Mechanical36

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Design30

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness69

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Near Vision60

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Manual Dexterity53

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Trunk Strength53

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Deductive Reasoning50

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Extent Flexibility50

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Gross Body Coordination50

  The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

• Gross Body Equilibrium50

  The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

• Multilimb Coordination50

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Oral Comprehension50

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression50

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Speech Clarity50

  The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Performing General Physical Activities88

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work84

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems83

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials79

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Developing Objectives and Strategies77

  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events77

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Training and Teaching Others76

  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates74

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Getting Information74

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others73

  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

• Handling and Moving Objects73

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings73

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability71

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail63

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness46

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance36

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Achievement Orientation30

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Stress Tolerance29

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Integrity27

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control25

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Cooperation21

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Confidence21

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Adaptability19

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Optimism16

  A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional42

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Artistic25

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Investigative8

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Social4

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually97%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day81%
  • Once a week or more but not every day17%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually65%
  • More than half the time34%

• Time Pressure

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Very important18%

• Contact With Others

• Freedom to Make Decisions

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom32%
  • Limited freedom17%

• Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

  • More than half the time16%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Very important20%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Once a week or more but not every day17%
  • Once a month or more but not every week17%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate
• Less than high school diploma

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Project management software

  Evergreen Technology Eagle Bid Estimating, On Center Quick Bid, Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal

• Graphics or photo imaging software

  Corel Paint Shop Pro, Corel Painter

• Customer relationship management CRM software

  Act!

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Analytical or scientific software

  Evergreen Technology Total Faux

• Data base user interface and query software

  Insight Direct ServiceCEO

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Associated General Contractors of America
• Home Builders Institute
• Painting Contractors Association
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
• National Center for Construction Education and Research

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Painting Workers
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Painting Workers
• Furniture Finishers
• Roofers
• Insulation Workers
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Carpenters
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Construction Laborers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Protect structures or surfaces near work areas to avoid damage.
• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
• Apply paint to surfaces.
• Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.
• Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.
• Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
• Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.
• Prepare surfaces for finishing.
• Estimate construction project costs.
• Estimate materials requirements for projects.
• Apply decorative or textured finishes or coverings.
• Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Architectural, Coatings Finisher
• Painter (Const)
• Painter (Existing Title: Painter, Shipyard)
• Painter, Indust Coating and Lining App Specialist
• Painter, Shipyard
• Painter-Decorator (Painter Const)
• Pavement Striper
• Pavement Striper